(GayWebSource.com – Gay News & Press Network) – Posted by Jake Simpson – TheGayUK.com

Rachel Mars has always relied on humour – in her latest solo performance, she searches beyond the gags. Turning the spotlight on the inner workings of comedy, The Way You Tell Them interrogates the desire and, sometimes uncontrollable, compulsion to be funny. What are we scared of? Where does the responsibility lie when going for a laugh?

by Chris Bridges | 16th Feb 2013

Rachel deconstructs stand-up and uses theatre to examine the comic form offering the antidote to the endless reams of directionless stand-up we see everywhere (Fringe Review). Using real- life material, classic oral sex jokes and a wolf suit, Rachel weaves a thoughtful and provocative story that questions how we use and abuse humour. Directed by Fringe First winner Jamie Wood, this very funny and beautifully sad show arrives from sold-out performances in Brighton, London and Edinburgh.

The Way You Tell Them is both hilarious and moving as Rachel discusses the strange uses of comedy in her Jewish family and tells jokes as she journeys through the difficult ethical terrain of the joker. She asks where the buck stops and what happens when you choose to go beyond the easy gag.

Rachel Mars comments: ‘My shows are often about human interaction and social behaviour. It’s an analytical show. A sad show. A thinky show. And, after all, a funny show. I hope that it is both painful and joyous. A bit like life. But considerably shorter (See, there you go again brain, always with the jokes. Can’t you cut it out for one minute?)’.

Produced by Abby Butcher. Commissioned by The Basement, Brighton with support from The Roddick Foundation, originally developed as part of CPT’s Starting Blocks programme and with their on-going support. Made using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Wednesday 12th February, Workshop Theatre, University of Leeds

Saturday 22nd February, Tom Thumb Theatre, Margate Wednesday

26th February, The Arc, Stockton

Thursday 13th March, Contact, Manchester

Wednesday 19th March, Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester

Tuesday 8th – Wednesday 9th April, The Bike Shed, Exeter

Friday 25th April, Canada Water Culture Space, London

Saturday 3rd May, Machynlleth Comedy Festival, Machynlleth

Saturday 17th May, Norfolk and Norwich Festival

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